US20030205388A1 - Tubing anchor - Google Patents
Tubing anchor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030205388A1 US20030205388A1 US10/428,537 US42853703A US2003205388A1 US 20030205388 A1 US20030205388 A1 US 20030205388A1 US 42853703 A US42853703 A US 42853703A US 2003205388 A1 US2003205388 A1 US 2003205388A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tubing
- bore
- profile
- diameter
- section
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 60
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/02—Subsoil filtering
- E21B43/10—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells
- E21B43/103—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells of expandable casings, screens, liners, or the like
- E21B43/106—Couplings or joints therefor
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/02—Surface sealing or packing
- E21B33/03—Well heads; Setting-up thereof
- E21B33/04—Casing heads; Suspending casings or tubings in well heads
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/02—Subsoil filtering
- E21B43/10—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/02—Subsoil filtering
- E21B43/10—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells
- E21B43/103—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells of expandable casings, screens, liners, or the like
Definitions
- This invention relates to tubing anchors.
- the invention relates to an apparatus and method of anchoring one tubing within another, most particularly at a downhole location.
- a method of anchoring tubing in a bore comprising:
- tubing having a section having outer surface portions defining a tubing profile, the outer surface portions configured to describe an outer diameter less than a first diameter
- the tubing profile defines a radially extending surface and the bore profile defines a cooperating radially extending surface.
- the tubing profile may be a radial projection and the bore profile a radial recess.
- the tubing profile is defined by a plurality of radial projections and the bore profile a one or more of radial recesses.
- the tubing profile may be a circumferential rib.
- the bore profile may be defined by one or more radial projections and the tubing profile by one or more radial recesses.
- the bore profile may be a circumferential rib and the tubing profile a circumferential channel.
- the outer surface portions are moved radially outwardly such that the tubing profile may engage with the bore profile, securing the tubing in the bore. Further reconfiguration of the tubing section may bring further parts of the outer surface portions into contact with the bore, which will further assist in securing the tubing in the bore.
- the method of the invention thus provides a convenient method of creating a coupling between a tubing and a surrounding bore wall, which coupling may be utilised to fix the tubing relative to the bore, both axially and rotationally, to facilitate subsequent operations, such as further reconfiguration or deformation of the tubing, or cementation of the tubing in the bore.
- the outer surface portions of the tubing may be circumferentially spaced, and most preferably are regularly spaced around the circumference of the tubing. Alternatively, the outer surface portions may be defined by a substantially continuous arc or segment.
- the tubing may initially be circular and in this initial form preferably has an outer diameter at least as large as the first diameter.
- Portions of the initially circular tubing wall may be reconfigured to a generally planar form such that the tubing is then substantially polygonal, most preferably defining a pentagon or hexagon.
- the tubing may then be further reconfigured such that the planar tubing wall portions become convex, and are located between the outer surface portions, which describe the tubing maximum diameter, which is less than said first diameter.
- the tubing may then be passed into the bore.
- one or more indents may be formed in the tubing wall, to create one or more convex wall portions such that the tubing defines an outer diameter less than said first diameter.
- the tubing may be initially created in this form, if desired.
- the provision of one or more convex wall portions facilitates passage of fluid between the tubing section and the surrounding bore, both before and after reconfiguring the tubing section, and even after the tubing section is restrained in the bore, which may be particularly useful if the first tubing is to be cemented in the bore.
- the tubing may subsequently be sealed to the bore wall by, for example, reconfiguring the tubing section to a form corresponding to the bore wall or, most preferably, by configuring another section of the tubing to a form corresponding to the bore wall.
- sealing the tubing with the bore wall is achieved by expanding a section of the tubing, which section may include a peripheral seal member.
- the expansion is achieved by means of a rotary expander, that is an expander which is rotatable in the tubing and preferably includes at least one rotating member in rolling contact with the tubing inner wall.
- the bore may be a drilled or otherwise formed bore, a section of tubing or pipe, or a combination of both.
- the bore is at least partially defined by downhole bore-lining tubing, such as casing or liner.
- the bore-lining tubing will typically be unexpandable, for example if the bore-lining tubing has been cemented; the method of the present invention allows the tubing to be located in such bore-lining tubing while avoiding the difficulties that are inherent in locating tubing by expansion within an unexpandable larger tubing.
- the bore-lining tubing may experience a degree of expansion, elastic, inelastic or both.
- the radially outwardly directed force is preferably created by passing a tubing expander, which may be of conical or tapered form, through the tubing.
- the tubing expander comprises an expansion cone, and most preferably the expander comprises a seal for sealingly engaging the bore wall, such that fluid pressure may be utilised to drive the expander through the tubing section.
- the expander may have a first configuration in which fluid may pass through or around the expander, and a second configuration in which the expander creates a barrier to fluid flow through the bore.
- the second configuration may be achieved by locating a ball or plug in a suitable shoe or profile in the expander.
- the expander may further be adapted to assume a third configuration in which fluid may again flow through or around the expander.
- the third configuration may be achieved by rupturing a disc, diaphragm or the like, which may be provided in the plug, or by shearing out a ball or plug shoe.
- the tubing may itself serve as a hanger, or may be coupled, by any appropriate means, to a hanger to be set following the reconfiguration of the tubing.
- a further length of tubing which may or may not be expandable, may be coupled to the tubing.
- the tubing may include a profile for co-operating with a corresponding profile on a running string to allow the string to support the tubing as the tubing is being run into the bore.
- the profile is provided on an upper portion of the tubing, above a notch in the tubing.
- the area of tubing including the notch may be subject to expansion utilising a rotary expander, which it has been found results in the tubing shearing or otherwise parting at the notch, allowing the portion of tubing defining the profile to be pulled out of the bore, leaving the remainder of the tubing in the bore.
- apparatus for use in anchoring tubing in a section of a bore having an internal first diameter and defining a bore profile, the apparatus comprising:
- tubing including a section with a non-circular wall, the wall having an outer surface portion defining a tubing profile, the wall configured such that the outer surface portion describes an outer diameter less than the first diameter;
- a first expander for diametrically expanding the tubing section wall such that the tubing profile engages with the bore profile.
- the apparatus further comprises a second expander for expanding a section of the tubing into sealing contact with the bore wall.
- a method of anchoring tubing in a bore comprising:
- tubing having a section with outer surface portions defining a profile, the section configured such that the outer surface portions describe an outer diameter less than a first diameter
- a method of anchoring tubing in a bore the bore having an internal first diameter, and defining a bore profile, the method comprising:
- tubing having a section with outer surface portions defining a tubing profile, the outer surface portions configured to describe an outer diameter greater than the first diameter, at least one of the tubing and the bore comprising an elastically deformable material;
- the tubing comprises elastically deformable material.
- the bore comprises elastically deformable material.
- the method of the invention thus provides a convenient method of creating a coupling between a tubing and a surrounding bore wall, which coupling may be utilised to fix the tubing relative to the bore, both axially and rotationally, to facilitate subsequent operations, such as further reconfiguration or deformation of the tubing.
- the bore profile may be formed in bore-lining tubing, such as casing or liner.
- the profile may be formed in the bore-lining tubing prior to the tubing being run into the bore.
- the profile may be formed after the bore ling tubing is located in the bore.
- the profile may be formed by any appropriate means, including a rotary profiling tool, as described in application GB 2346909, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This permits the profile to be located to suit conditions in the bore.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an expandable section of tubing incorporating a lip in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an expandable section of tubing incorporating a lip in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 3 to 6 are schematic illustrations of steps in a method of anchoring tubing in a bore, in accordance with an embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention.
- FIGS. 3 a , 4 a and 6 a are sectional views on lines 3 a - 3 a , 4 a - 4 a and 6 a - 6 a of FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 , respectively.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an expandable section of bore-lining tubing, generally indicated by reference numeral 100 , incorporating a lip, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
- This section may be part of an otherwise circular section tubing of diameter slightly less than the bore with which the tubing is intended to be located.
- the crinkled, expandable section 100 includes six concave wall portions, 101 to 106 . Between each concave wall portion are lips 111 to 116 , intended for engaging with cooperating recesses in a bore wall (not shown).
- At least this crinkled section of the tubing 100 comprises an elastically deformable material and the lips 111 to 116 describes a diameter slightly greater than the bore internal diameter.
- the tubing is forced into the bore and the crinkled section 100 deforms to allow the lips 111 to 116 to pass down through the bore.
- the lips 111 to 116 reach the complementary profile in the bore, the lips 111 to 116 will spring out to engage with the profile.
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an expandable section of tubing 120 incorporating a lip, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
- the lip 122 is in the form of a continuous rib, for engaging with a cooperating channel in the bore.
- FIGS. 3 to 6 of the drawings illustrate steps in the method of anchoring tubing, according to a second aspect of the present invention, and subsequently cementing and sealing the tubing.
- Elements of the method described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 are equally applicable to the method of anchoring described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
- the tubing is in the form of liner 20 , in the lower end of a drilled bore 22 .
- the liner 20 describes a diameter less than the bore 22 diameter.
- the liner 20 is shown in the run-in position, with the upper end of the liner 20 overlapping the lower end of existing cemented casing 24 .
- the remainder of the liner 20 is located in unlined, or open bore.
- the liner 20 is coupled to a running string 26 , formed of drill pipe, by means of co-operating profiles 28 .
- a running string 26 formed of drill pipe
- co-operating profiles 28 Below the liner profile 28 , which is located at the upper end of the liner 20 , the liner wall defines a notch 30 , the purpose and function of which will be described in due course.
- the expansion tool 32 comprises a hollow body 34 in fluid communication with the string 26 , the body 34 accommodating three piston-mounted rollers 36 .
- supplying fluid at elevated pressure to the interior of the body 34 tends to urge the rollers 36 radially outwardly, and by then rotating the tool 32 within the liner 20 the internal and external diameters of the liner may be increased.
- a cement plug catcher 40 is mounted via shear pins to the lower end of the expansion tool 32 .
- a drillable cone and seal assembly 48 is initially located within a section of the liner 20 a below the plug catcher 40 , which liner section 20 a has been formed to provide a corrugated or crinkled wall profile, as may be seen from FIG. 3 a of the drawings.
- the liner includes a radially projecting tubing lip 21 , similar to the lips shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
- the casing includes a profile 23 , in the form of a radial recess.
- the liner 20 is of a circular form and has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the casing 24 , to provide sufficient clearance for the liner 20 to be run in through the casing 24 .
- the liner section 20 a has been first shaped into a polygonal form in a forming die and the planar wall portions then further deformed to a concave form such that the outer diameter of the liner section 20 a is described by six outer surface portions 50 .
- the minimum inner diameter of the section 20 a is defined by the midpoints of the concave wall portions 51 .
- the cone and seal assembly 48 comprises a hollow upper cone 52 , and a reduced diameter tubular portion 56 extends from the cone 52 to a larger diameter stabiliser collar 58 .
- the collar 58 has an external circumferential seal 54 for engaging the inner wall of the liner 20 and defines an internal ball seat 59 .
- the assembly 48 is located in the liner 20 as illustrated in FIG. 3, that is with the cone 52 and collar 58 respectively located above and below the crinkled section 20 a , and the tubular portion 56 extending through the section 20 a.
- the lower end of the liner 20 is provided with a drillable cement shoe 60 .
- the liner 20 is run into the bore 22 to the position as illustrated in FIG. 3, with the liner profile 21 lining up with the casing profile 23 .
- fluid may be circulated through the liner 20 , and the liner 20 may be rotated within the bore 22 as the liner 20 is run in.
- Pre-flush fluid may then be pumped from surface down through the running string 26 , followed by a ball 62 (FIG. 4) and a volume of cement 64 .
- the ball 62 lands on the seat 59 and closes the throughbore defined by the collar 58 .
- Fluid pressure then acts on the area defined by the seal 54 , and urges the collar 58 , and of course the remainder of the assembly 48 , down through the crinkled section 20 a .
- the diameter and profile of the cone 52 are selected such that the cone contacts the inner faces of the concave wall portions 51 , which has the effect of moving the outer surface portions 50 radially outwards causing the liner profile 21 to engage with the casing profile 23 .
- a pressure drop will be evident at surface when the cone 52 clears the lower end of the section 20 a , and further pumping of cement 64 will continue to push the assembly 48 through the liner 20 until the collar 58 engages the shoe 60 .
- gaps 76 (FIG. 4 a ) that remain between the casing inner wall and the polygonal liner section 20 a allow for fluid circulation.
- the volume of cement 64 is followed by a wiper plug 66 and water spacer 68 .
- the plug 66 engages and shears out the plug catcher 40 , which is then pushed through the liner 20 until the catcher 40 engages the cone 52 .
- a pressure increase will have been applied to shear out the ball seat 59 , such that the seat 59 and ball 62 land out within the float shoe 60 , allowing the cement 64 to circulate into the annulus 70 between the liner 20 and the open bore 22 .
- Weight is then applied to the liner 20 to check the integrity of the thus-formed hanger, before releasing the running tool 31 from the liner 20 .
- the expansion tool 32 is then lowered into the liner 20 , which is now axially fixed relative to the casing 24 by the liner profile 21 being engaged with the tubing profile 23 , until the tool 32 is located above the section 20 a at a liner seal section 20 b . Elevated fluid pressure applied through the string 26 to the tool 32 then acts to extend the rollers 36 , such that rotation of the string 26 and the activated tool 32 will diametrically expand the liner section 20 b into sealing contact with the casing 24 . Fluid is then pumped through the running string 26 to circulate out cement residue, and the thus-formed hanger is then subject to a pressure test.
- a profiled liner section may be subject to expansion by a cone and seal assembly or the like while positioned within the lower end of the casing.
- the outer surface portions of the expanded liner section if unrestrained by the surrounding casing, would assume a larger diameter. Accordingly, the restraint provided by the casing results in the liner section outer surface portions engaging the casing, allowing the liner to be hung from the casing while providing gaps between the liner and casing to permit fluid circulation.
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Abstract
Description
- A recent development in the oil and gas exploration and production industry has been the adoption of expandable bore-lining tubing. This involves running tubing into an open section of bore and then expanding at least a portion of the tubing to a larger diameter. Typically, the upper end of the tubing will overlap the lower end of existing bore-lining casing or liner. In a number of proposals, the upper end of the tubing is expanded initially to create a tubing hanger which serves to fix the tubing in the bore so that the tubing may be disengaged from the running string used to carry the tubing into the bore. Other operations, such as cementing the tubing, or expanding other portions of the tubing, may then take place.
- The present applicant has identified that there are certain difficulties involved in creating the initial anchor, particularly in previously cemented tubing. A number of existing proposals suggest the use of radially extendable members for radially extending circumferentially spaced portions of the tubing, to bring the outer surfaces of these portions into engagement with the surrounding casing. However, in any such deformation of metallic tubing, there is a degree of elastic recovery of the tubing once the deforming force has been removed. Thus, the desired degree of engagement between the tubing and the casing may not be achieved.
- This invention relates to tubing anchors. In particular the invention relates to an apparatus and method of anchoring one tubing within another, most particularly at a downhole location.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of anchoring tubing in a bore, the method comprising:
- providing tubing having a section having outer surface portions defining a tubing profile, the outer surface portions configured to describe an outer diameter less than a first diameter;
- locating the tubing within a bore having an internal diameter equal to the first diameter, and defining a bore profile; and
- reconfiguring the tubing section such that the tubing profile engages with the bore profile.
- Preferably, the tubing profile defines a radially extending surface and the bore profile defines a cooperating radially extending surface. The tubing profile may be a radial projection and the bore profile a radial recess.
- Preferably, the tubing profile is defined by a plurality of radial projections and the bore profile a one or more of radial recesses. Alternatively, the tubing profile may be a circumferential rib.
- In an alternative embodiment the bore profile may be defined by one or more radial projections and the tubing profile by one or more radial recesses. Conveniently, the bore profile may be a circumferential rib and the tubing profile a circumferential channel.
- When the tubing section is reconfigured, the outer surface portions are moved radially outwardly such that the tubing profile may engage with the bore profile, securing the tubing in the bore. Further reconfiguration of the tubing section may bring further parts of the outer surface portions into contact with the bore, which will further assist in securing the tubing in the bore.
- The method of the invention thus provides a convenient method of creating a coupling between a tubing and a surrounding bore wall, which coupling may be utilised to fix the tubing relative to the bore, both axially and rotationally, to facilitate subsequent operations, such as further reconfiguration or deformation of the tubing, or cementation of the tubing in the bore. The outer surface portions of the tubing may be circumferentially spaced, and most preferably are regularly spaced around the circumference of the tubing. Alternatively, the outer surface portions may be defined by a substantially continuous arc or segment. The tubing may initially be circular and in this initial form preferably has an outer diameter at least as large as the first diameter. Portions of the initially circular tubing wall may be reconfigured to a generally planar form such that the tubing is then substantially polygonal, most preferably defining a pentagon or hexagon. The tubing may then be further reconfigured such that the planar tubing wall portions become convex, and are located between the outer surface portions, which describe the tubing maximum diameter, which is less than said first diameter. The tubing may then be passed into the bore. Alternatively, one or more indents may be formed in the tubing wall, to create one or more convex wall portions such that the tubing defines an outer diameter less than said first diameter. Of course the tubing may be initially created in this form, if desired.
- If a radially outwardly directed force is then applied to the one or more convex wall portions, which will typically describe the tubing section minimum diameter, the outer surface portions are urged radially outwards to assume a configuration in which at least the tubing profile and the bore profile can engage.
- The provision of one or more convex wall portions facilitates passage of fluid between the tubing section and the surrounding bore, both before and after reconfiguring the tubing section, and even after the tubing section is restrained in the bore, which may be particularly useful if the first tubing is to be cemented in the bore. If desired, the tubing may subsequently be sealed to the bore wall by, for example, reconfiguring the tubing section to a form corresponding to the bore wall or, most preferably, by configuring another section of the tubing to a form corresponding to the bore wall. Most preferably, sealing the tubing with the bore wall is achieved by expanding a section of the tubing, which section may include a peripheral seal member. Preferably, the expansion is achieved by means of a rotary expander, that is an expander which is rotatable in the tubing and preferably includes at least one rotating member in rolling contact with the tubing inner wall.
- The bore may be a drilled or otherwise formed bore, a section of tubing or pipe, or a combination of both. Preferably, the bore is at least partially defined by downhole bore-lining tubing, such as casing or liner. The bore-lining tubing will typically be unexpandable, for example if the bore-lining tubing has been cemented; the method of the present invention allows the tubing to be located in such bore-lining tubing while avoiding the difficulties that are inherent in locating tubing by expansion within an unexpandable larger tubing. However, in other embodiments of the invention the bore-lining tubing may experience a degree of expansion, elastic, inelastic or both.
- The radially outwardly directed force is preferably created by passing a tubing expander, which may be of conical or tapered form, through the tubing. Preferably, the tubing expander comprises an expansion cone, and most preferably the expander comprises a seal for sealingly engaging the bore wall, such that fluid pressure may be utilised to drive the expander through the tubing section. The expander may have a first configuration in which fluid may pass through or around the expander, and a second configuration in which the expander creates a barrier to fluid flow through the bore. The second configuration may be achieved by locating a ball or plug in a suitable shoe or profile in the expander. The expander may further be adapted to assume a third configuration in which fluid may again flow through or around the expander. The third configuration may be achieved by rupturing a disc, diaphragm or the like, which may be provided in the plug, or by shearing out a ball or plug shoe.
- The tubing may itself serve as a hanger, or may be coupled, by any appropriate means, to a hanger to be set following the reconfiguration of the tubing.
- A further length of tubing, which may or may not be expandable, may be coupled to the tubing.
- The tubing may include a profile for co-operating with a corresponding profile on a running string to allow the string to support the tubing as the tubing is being run into the bore. Preferably, the profile is provided on an upper portion of the tubing, above a notch in the tubing. The area of tubing including the notch may be subject to expansion utilising a rotary expander, which it has been found results in the tubing shearing or otherwise parting at the notch, allowing the portion of tubing defining the profile to be pulled out of the bore, leaving the remainder of the tubing in the bore.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for use in anchoring tubing in a section of a bore having an internal first diameter and defining a bore profile, the apparatus comprising:
- tubing including a section with a non-circular wall, the wall having an outer surface portion defining a tubing profile, the wall configured such that the outer surface portion describes an outer diameter less than the first diameter;
- means for engaging a running tool for running the tubing into the bore; and
- a first expander for diametrically expanding the tubing section wall such that the tubing profile engages with the bore profile.
- Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a second expander for expanding a section of the tubing into sealing contact with the bore wall.
- According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of anchoring tubing in a bore, the method comprising:
- providing tubing having a section with outer surface portions defining a profile, the section configured such that the outer surface portions describe an outer diameter less than a first diameter;
- locating the tubing within a bore having an internal surface defining a profile, the bore having an internal diameter corresponding to said first diameter; and
- reconfiguring said section such that said outer surface portions are biased to describe an outer diameter greater than said first diameter but are restrained to said first diameter by said bore, and such that said tubing profile engages the bore profile.
- According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of anchoring tubing in a bore, the bore having an internal first diameter, and defining a bore profile, the method comprising:
- providing tubing having a section with outer surface portions defining a tubing profile, the outer surface portions configured to describe an outer diameter greater than the first diameter, at least one of the tubing and the bore comprising an elastically deformable material; and
- axially translating the tubing relative to the bore to locate the tubing within the bore such that the tubing profile engages with the bore profile.
- Preferably, the tubing comprises elastically deformable material. Alternatively, the bore comprises elastically deformable material.
- The method of the invention thus provides a convenient method of creating a coupling between a tubing and a surrounding bore wall, which coupling may be utilised to fix the tubing relative to the bore, both axially and rotationally, to facilitate subsequent operations, such as further reconfiguration or deformation of the tubing.
- The bore profile may be formed in bore-lining tubing, such as casing or liner. The profile may be formed in the bore-lining tubing prior to the tubing being run into the bore. Alternatively, the profile may be formed after the bore ling tubing is located in the bore. The profile may be formed by any appropriate means, including a rotary profiling tool, as described in application GB 2346909, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This permits the profile to be located to suit conditions in the bore.
- These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an expandable section of tubing incorporating a lip in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an expandable section of tubing incorporating a lip in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention; and
- FIGS.3 to 6 are schematic illustrations of steps in a method of anchoring tubing in a bore, in accordance with an embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention; and
- FIGS. 3a, 4 a and 6 a are sectional views on
lines 3 a-3 a, 4 a-4 a and 6 a-6 a of FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, respectively. - Referring firstly to FIG. 1, this shows a perspective view of an expandable section of bore-lining tubing, generally indicated by
reference numeral 100, incorporating a lip, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. This section may be part of an otherwise circular section tubing of diameter slightly less than the bore with which the tubing is intended to be located. - The crinkled,
expandable section 100 includes six concave wall portions, 101 to 106. Between each concave wall portion are lips 111 to 116, intended for engaging with cooperating recesses in a bore wall (not shown). - At least this crinkled section of the
tubing 100 comprises an elastically deformable material and the lips 111 to 116 describes a diameter slightly greater than the bore internal diameter. The tubing is forced into the bore and thecrinkled section 100 deforms to allow the lips 111 to 116 to pass down through the bore. When the lips 111 to 116 reach the complementary profile in the bore, the lips 111 to 116 will spring out to engage with the profile. - FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an expandable section of
tubing 120 incorporating a lip, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this case thelip 122 is in the form of a continuous rib, for engaging with a cooperating channel in the bore. - Reference is now made to FIGS.3 to 6 of the drawings, which illustrate steps in the method of anchoring tubing, according to a second aspect of the present invention, and subsequently cementing and sealing the tubing. Elements of the method described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, such as for cementing and sealing the tubing, are equally applicable to the method of anchoring described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The tubing is in the form of
liner 20, in the lower end of a drilledbore 22. In this embodiment theliner 20 describes a diameter less than thebore 22 diameter. In FIG. 3, theliner 20 is shown in the run-in position, with the upper end of theliner 20 overlapping the lower end of existing cementedcasing 24. The remainder of theliner 20 is located in unlined, or open bore. - The
liner 20 is coupled to a runningstring 26, formed of drill pipe, by means of co-operating profiles 28. Below theliner profile 28, which is located at the upper end of theliner 20, the liner wall defines a notch 30, the purpose and function of which will be described in due course. - Mounted to the lower end of the
string 26, within theliner 20, is a running tool 31 and arotary expansion tool 32. Theexpansion tool 32 comprises ahollow body 34 in fluid communication with thestring 26, thebody 34 accommodating three piston-mountedrollers 36. As will be described, supplying fluid at elevated pressure to the interior of thebody 34 tends to urge therollers 36 radially outwardly, and by then rotating thetool 32 within theliner 20 the internal and external diameters of the liner may be increased. Acement plug catcher 40 is mounted via shear pins to the lower end of theexpansion tool 32. - A drillable cone and seal
assembly 48 is initially located within a section of theliner 20 a below theplug catcher 40, whichliner section 20 a has been formed to provide a corrugated or crinkled wall profile, as may be seen from FIG. 3a of the drawings. In addition the liner includes a radially projectingtubing lip 21, similar to the lips shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The casing includes aprofile 23, in the form of a radial recess. Other than theliner section 20 a, theliner 20 is of a circular form and has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of thecasing 24, to provide sufficient clearance for theliner 20 to be run in through thecasing 24. However, theliner section 20 a has been first shaped into a polygonal form in a forming die and the planar wall portions then further deformed to a concave form such that the outer diameter of theliner section 20 a is described by sixouter surface portions 50. The minimum inner diameter of thesection 20 a is defined by the midpoints of theconcave wall portions 51. - The cone and seal
assembly 48 comprises a hollow upper cone 52, and a reduced diameter tubular portion 56 extends from the cone 52 to a larger diameter stabiliser collar 58. The collar 58 has an externalcircumferential seal 54 for engaging the inner wall of theliner 20 and defines aninternal ball seat 59. Initially, theassembly 48 is located in theliner 20 as illustrated in FIG. 3, that is with the cone 52 and collar 58 respectively located above and below the crinkledsection 20 a, and the tubular portion 56 extending through thesection 20 a. - The lower end of the
liner 20 is provided with adrillable cement shoe 60. - In use, the
liner 20 is run into thebore 22 to the position as illustrated in FIG. 3, with theliner profile 21 lining up with thecasing profile 23. If desired, fluid may be circulated through theliner 20, and theliner 20 may be rotated within thebore 22 as theliner 20 is run in. Pre-flush fluid may then be pumped from surface down through the runningstring 26, followed by a ball 62 (FIG. 4) and a volume ofcement 64. Theball 62 lands on theseat 59 and closes the throughbore defined by the collar 58. Fluid pressure then acts on the area defined by theseal 54, and urges the collar 58, and of course the remainder of theassembly 48, down through the crinkledsection 20 a. The diameter and profile of the cone 52 are selected such that the cone contacts the inner faces of theconcave wall portions 51, which has the effect of moving theouter surface portions 50 radially outwards causing theliner profile 21 to engage with thecasing profile 23. A pressure drop will be evident at surface when the cone 52 clears the lower end of thesection 20 a, and further pumping ofcement 64 will continue to push theassembly 48 through theliner 20 until the collar 58 engages theshoe 60. - The gaps76 (FIG. 4a) that remain between the casing inner wall and the
polygonal liner section 20 a allow for fluid circulation. - The volume of
cement 64 is followed by a wiper plug 66 andwater spacer 68. The plug 66 engages and shears out theplug catcher 40, which is then pushed through theliner 20 until thecatcher 40 engages the cone 52. Prior to this, a pressure increase will have been applied to shear out theball seat 59, such that theseat 59 andball 62 land out within thefloat shoe 60, allowing thecement 64 to circulate into the annulus 70 between theliner 20 and theopen bore 22. - Weight is then applied to the
liner 20 to check the integrity of the thus-formed hanger, before releasing the running tool 31 from theliner 20. - Referring to FIG. 5, the
expansion tool 32 is then lowered into theliner 20, which is now axially fixed relative to thecasing 24 by theliner profile 21 being engaged with thetubing profile 23, until thetool 32 is located above thesection 20 a at a liner seal section 20 b. Elevated fluid pressure applied through thestring 26 to thetool 32 then acts to extend therollers 36, such that rotation of thestring 26 and the activatedtool 32 will diametrically expand the liner section 20 b into sealing contact with thecasing 24. Fluid is then pumped through the runningstring 26 to circulate out cement residue, and the thus-formed hanger is then subject to a pressure test. - The expansion of the
liner 20 is then continued over the notch 30, and the expansion at the notch causes theliner 20 to separate. Thetool 32, and the short length ofliner 20 above the notch 30, may then be pulled out of the bore on the runningstring 26, as shown in FIG. 6. - In other embodiments of the invention, a profiled liner section may be subject to expansion by a cone and seal assembly or the like while positioned within the lower end of the casing. The outer surface portions of the expanded liner section, if unrestrained by the surrounding casing, would assume a larger diameter. Accordingly, the restraint provided by the casing results in the liner section outer surface portions engaging the casing, allowing the liner to be hung from the casing while providing gaps between the liner and casing to permit fluid circulation.
Claims (96)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0210256.4 | 2002-05-03 | ||
GBGB0210256.4A GB0210256D0 (en) | 2002-05-03 | 2002-05-03 | Tubing anchor |
Publications (2)
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US20030205388A1 true US20030205388A1 (en) | 2003-11-06 |
US7090024B2 US7090024B2 (en) | 2006-08-15 |
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Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/428,537 Expired - Fee Related US7090024B2 (en) | 2002-05-03 | 2003-05-02 | Tubing anchor |
US10/428,211 Expired - Fee Related US7086480B2 (en) | 2002-05-03 | 2003-05-02 | Tubing anchor |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/428,211 Expired - Fee Related US7086480B2 (en) | 2002-05-03 | 2003-05-02 | Tubing anchor |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US7090024B2 (en) |
AU (2) | AU2003233872A1 (en) |
CA (2) | CA2484721C (en) |
GB (3) | GB0210256D0 (en) |
WO (2) | WO2003093637A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
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US7441606B2 (en) * | 2003-05-01 | 2008-10-28 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Expandable fluted liner hanger and packer system |
CA2523106C (en) * | 2004-10-12 | 2011-12-06 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for manufacturing of expandable tubular |
CA2617498C (en) * | 2005-07-22 | 2014-09-23 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for creation of down hole annular barrier |
CA2555563C (en) * | 2005-08-05 | 2009-03-31 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for creation of down hole annular barrier |
US8069916B2 (en) | 2007-01-03 | 2011-12-06 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | System and methods for tubular expansion |
US8157012B2 (en) * | 2007-09-07 | 2012-04-17 | Frazier W Lynn | Downhole sliding sleeve combination tool |
WO2009143300A2 (en) * | 2008-05-20 | 2009-11-26 | Rodgers John P | System and method for providing a downhole mechanical energy absorber |
US7779924B2 (en) * | 2008-05-29 | 2010-08-24 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Method and apparatus for use in a wellbore |
US8739881B2 (en) | 2009-12-30 | 2014-06-03 | W. Lynn Frazier | Hydrostatic flapper stimulation valve and method |
CA2834003C (en) | 2013-08-02 | 2016-08-09 | Resource Well Completion Technologies Inc. | Liner hanger and method for installing a wellbore liner |
CN105625971B (en) * | 2014-10-28 | 2019-05-10 | 中国石油化工股份有限公司 | A kind of expansion hanger and its sit hanging method |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2404212A (en) | 2005-01-26 |
GB0424393D0 (en) | 2004-12-08 |
GB2404685B (en) | 2005-12-07 |
WO2003093637A3 (en) | 2004-03-04 |
US20030205387A1 (en) | 2003-11-06 |
WO2003093637A2 (en) | 2003-11-13 |
US7090024B2 (en) | 2006-08-15 |
GB0210256D0 (en) | 2002-06-12 |
WO2003093638A2 (en) | 2003-11-13 |
CA2484721A1 (en) | 2003-11-13 |
GB0424392D0 (en) | 2004-12-08 |
CA2484714C (en) | 2011-06-21 |
CA2484721C (en) | 2011-08-30 |
GB2404685A (en) | 2005-02-09 |
GB2404212B (en) | 2006-07-26 |
AU2003227899A1 (en) | 2003-11-17 |
WO2003093638A3 (en) | 2004-03-04 |
AU2003233872A1 (en) | 2003-11-17 |
US7086480B2 (en) | 2006-08-08 |
CA2484714A1 (en) | 2003-11-13 |
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